ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce is canceling a community political discussion over safety concerns.
The Chamber is calling off the Policy Breakfast scheduled for August 28 at Ithaca College after concerning social media posts announcing protests of the event began circulating.
Officials say multiple posts feature pictures of the event’s planned participants along with violent imagery.
“We have spent months coordinating with federal, state, and local officials to develop a forum for open and constructive dialogue between levels of government to help create and advocate for policies to support our members, our partners, and the Tompkins County Community as a whole,” said Tompkins Chamber President and CEO Peggy Coleman. “It is disappointing that outside forces are restricting that exchange of ideas.”
The panelists scheduled to speak were Congressman Josh Riley, State Senator Lea Webb, Assemblymember Anna Kelles, and Tompkins County Legislative Chair Dan Klein. All four are Democrats.
“The Tompkins Chamber fully supports every individual’s right to protest peacefully,” added Coleman. “We do not support or condone violence in any shape or form.”
Learn more about the Tompkins Chamber here.
